Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This Southern-inspired meal features golden deep-fried catfish fillets served alongside moist cornbread and tender collard greens simmered in smoky bacon broth. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 70 minutes pairs catfish fillets, cornmeal, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F for frying the catfish.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Dip each of the 4 catfish fillets into 1 cup buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Fry the coated catfish fillets in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread by combining 1 package cornbread mix, 1 large egg, and 1/3 cup milk as per package instructions; bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: For the collard greens, cook 4 slices of chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat.
  7. Step 7: Add 1 diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and 2 cups chicken broth to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until greens are tender, stirring occasionally; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Step 9: Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle over the collard greens before serving alongside the fried catfish and warm cornbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Fried Catfish with Cornbread and Collard Greens?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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